Report: CPGs Tap into Multi-Sensory Experiences

From fragrance-driven LTOs to shopping in the metaverse, consumers will be seeking multi-sensory experiences in 2023, according to a new report by Trendincite LLC.

Placer.ai Analysis Notes 10 Retail Brands on the Rise

New analysis from Placer.ai suggests Whataburger, Wawa, and Dave & Buster’s are among the top brands to watch in 2023, with all three gaining traction through expansion. 

CEO: Grocers Benefit from Sharing Key Data with CPG Partners

Both grocers and their CPG partners are feeling the impact of an uncertain economy and sharing data can be mutually beneficial.

Consumers’ Top 10 Craveable Coffee Chains

Technomic polled consumers to rank their top coffee chains, finding consumers valued taste, specialty flavors, and high-quality beans.

Plant-Based Lamb: The Next Big Thing in Alt-Meat?

Food-tech startup Black Sheep Foods is hoping to reignite interest in plant-based meat with its lamb alternative.

Smart-Voice Technology: Coming Soon, to a Drive-Thru Near You

In a world of fast-changing consumer demands, the classic fast-food drive-thru window is evolving. From doubling lanes to fully digital menu boards, restaurants have made all kinds of improvements to the drive-thru service. With technology …

Functional Health, Global Flavors Driving Ingredient Trends

Consumers are redefining healthy eating with a growing taste for functional, authentic, and adventurous ingredients, according to a new report from Tastewise.

“Better-For-You” Snacks Blur the Line Between Health and Indulgence

Where is the line between healthy and indulgent? Experts weigh in on the merits of new “better-for-you” snack options that intend to walk it.

Placer.ai Exec: How Grocers Must Evolve in 2023

The grocery space has been upended over the past three years and leaders must face new challenges with patience, according to Placer.ai’s Retail Trends Forecast 2023 report.

Holiday Spending Rises as Consumers Show Appetite for Experiences

This holiday retail season looked different than years past, industry experts noted. Retailers discounted heavily but consumers diversified their holiday spending to accommodate rising prices.

Plant-Based Trends to Watch in 2023

What will 2023 hold for plant-based? The Food Institute spoke with several industry analysts to explore what’s in store for the year ahead.

NY, Calif. Poised to Ban PFAS ‘Forever Chemicals’

New York and California are the first of more than a dozen states banning or considering bans on poly-fluoroalkyl (PFAS) ‘forever chemicals.’

Danone Predicts Uptick in QR Codes on Consumer Goods Packaging

In the new year, some industry experts predict increased utilization of QR (quick response) codes on consumer goods packaging, as the industry attempts to provide improved transparency about elements like product ingredients.

How Coca-Cola and PepsiCo Have Defied Market Downturn

For Coca-Cola and PepsiCo, 2022 seems like it should have been a difficult year. As we discussed just a couple months ago, the challenges facing the food and beverage industry are numerous. Inflation continues to …

CFO Notes Costco’s Secrets to Customer Service Success

Costco CFO Richard Galanti reveals the formula for Costco’s lofty customer service score: keeping members happy, especially during inflation.

Experts Predict Asian Food Boom in 2023

To hear experts tell it, an Asian food boom has begun in America. During Tuesday’s Food Institute webinar – “What’s Ahead in 2023?” –Solomon Choi, CEO of Jabba Brands, noted that internationally-inspired hard seltzers and …

Outlook Sizzling for Plant-Based Deli Meats

Lunch meats were a star player at retail throughout the pandemic and that trend is retaining its momentum. But can this boon boost demand for plant-based deli cuts?

CEO: Supply Chain Transparency Key in 2023

After countless supply chain disruptions, and with a potential recession on the horizon, 2023 is set to be a transformative year for the grocery store segment. With that in mind, here are a few key …

Column: Kroger-Albertsons Merger Spells Doom, Gloom and Boom

Kroger and Albertsons are planning a merger that would create a superstore second in scale only to Walmart. The combination of the two U.S. supermarket giants could have a three-pronged effect, resulting in doom for …

2023 Flavor Forecast: Expect Influx of French Cuisine

When it comes to classical cooking and decadent flavors, look no further than France. With centuries of tradition and innovation, excellent French cuisine is some of the most celebrated and sought after. Flavor giant McCormick …

The Zero-e Pineapple Has Arrived

Produce is a low-margin, high-risk industry. Hans Sauter would know – he’s been in the produce game for over 35 years. He’s not only Senior Vice President of Research and Development for Fresh Del Monte, …

Storms Ease California Drought, for the Moment

California officials fear the recent spate of storms that eased the area’s severe drought conditions may, actually, simply be a prelude to drier weather, the Los Angeles Times reported. David Rizzardo, hydrology section manager for …

‘Tipflation’ Leaving Consumers Confounded

To tip or not to tip? Ultimately, it’s up to the consumer, but let’s be honest, society judges bad tippers. However, in this economy, shelling out extra cash, however well-warranted, is becoming more and more …

Grocery Sticker Shock Has Changed Buyer Habits

Consumers who want to save money on groceries are turning to coupons, loyalty programs, and rewards while cutting back on snacks, a survey by Seattle retail technology platform Swiftly indicates. The online True Cost of …

Self-Checkouts Often Inaccessible to Disabled Shoppers

Disability-advocacy groups are calling upon retailers to address the issue of inaccessible self-checkout lanes.

Does the Restaurant CPG Trend Have Staying Power?

Despite higher grocery inflation, consumers continue to splurge on their favorite restaurant brands at retail, fueling a trend that has gained significant momentum in recent years. “Restaurants are looking to exploit brand loyalty that really …

Major CPG Players Fueling Alt Cream Cheese Innovation

Amidst the booming cultured dairy market, major food manufacturers are taking plant-based cream cheese to the next level.

Consumers Largely Positive Heading into 2023

Consumer spending habits and behaviors are shifting, with frugality taking a front seat in the face of rising prices and uncertainty over the economy, a new survey of consumer trends by Attest indicates. “Frugality is …

CEO: Food Allergy Issue Now an ‘Epidemic’ in America

Approximately 110 million Americans are directly or indirectly impacted by either a severe food allergy or food sensitivity in their household, prompting some in the food industry to call for increased transparency on labeling.

Meet the Two Biggest Enemies of Indoor Farming

Getting the vertical farming industry to reach its objectives will require much collaboration and benchmarking, industry insiders note.

Data-and-Dash: Cybersecurity and the Food Industry

Crime is a malicious (and inevitable) branch of progress. As industry and technology evolve, so too do the machinations of those willing to test, infiltrate, and break the system for personal profit. As integrated web …

Ag Roundup: Brazil’s Record Grain Crop, Inflation Impacts Organic

Brazilian officials said the country’s grain crop is expected to hit a record 312.2 million tons, up 15% from last year, Reuters reported. The estimate, however, was lower than previous projections. The government food and …

Analysis: Consumer Spending Slowing, Even for the Wealthy

Due to the current inflationary environment, and with fears of a looming recession, analysis shows consumers are trading down in their spending, looking at less expensive brands and going for deals.

Analysis: the Most Innovative LTOs of the Year

Restaurants are getting rather creative with their limited-time offers, or LTOs, lately. “LTOs can be a great way to drive business, but you have to know your audience and what appeals to them,” Leith Steel, …

Diverse Offerings Will Be Key to Grocery Success in 2023

Grocers need to prepare for a changing environment as they head into 2023, and bringing in new products will give them a competitive edge.

American Aquaculture Catching On

The new year represents a key juncture for American aquaculture. Kai Sato has observed the evolving industry long enough to know that. “Each year the U.S. becomes a more viable market for aquaculture entrepreneurs to …